Section 2 – Proposed Variation No. 1

In Table 2.1 Relationship with Legislation and Other Plans and Programmes, it may be useful to consider including a reference to the following key plans in Table 2.1 also:

• Irish Water’s Water Services Strategic Plan (WSSP)

• Southern Regional Waste Management Plan

Section 7 – Evaluation of Alternatives

We acknowledge the alternatives considered for the development of the Variation area and also the detailed assessment carried out in Section 7.4- Detailed Evaluation of Alternatives. The reason for selecting the preferred alternative is also clearly described. We note the findings of Table 7.5 – Significant positive effects facilitated, potentially significant adverse effects, if unmitigated, and residual non-significant adverse effects. This table clearly summarises the key identified issues to be taken into account, as well as the possible environmental benefits of implementing the preferred alternative.

Section 9 – Mitigation Measures

We note that lower level strategies are to be put in place to deal with issues such as conservation and heritage, connectivity aspects, sustainable development, environmental protection etc. We acknowledge that where specific measures are not provided in the Variation, that the higher level objectives / policies of the City and Environs Development Plan (CDP) will be implemented. It should be ensured however that no conflict arises between any measures proposed in the Variation and the relevant objectives/policies of the CDP.

Section 10 – Monitoring Measures

We acknowledge the proposed monitoring programme, which includes the frequency of environmental monitoring and which highlights the associated ownership of monitoring responsibilities in Table 10.1 Selected Indicators, Targets and Monitoring Sources.